Tribune editorial staff

Those driving down an interstate highway face many dangers. As busy as such roadways are, motorists have to alert to many other drivers and obstacles such as road construction and, perhaps, even animals.

Those commuting to and from work, to the mall or to visit with family, however, should not have to worry about dodging bullets. Unfortunately, those traveling on I-270 in Columbus do.

Several highway shootings have been reported along a short stretch of the highway, including one in which a 62-year-old woman from Washington Court House was killed. Police in Columbus are scrambling to find out who has thousands of motorists wondering who could be the next victim.

As authorities continue to look for the shooter or shooters, it comes at a time when locating culprits could be as difficult as the proverbial needle in a haystack.

As deer-gun season in Ohio began this week, many people will be carrying firearms in their vehicles. Therefore, every hunter could,

conceivably, be considered a suspect. Authorities know that the vast majority of these people are law-abiding citizens, so randomly searching vehicles would infringe on their civil rights.

In addition, the holiday season is upon us and Columbus is a prime shopping stop in Ohio. Many people from across the state - as well as other states - will be driving down the interstate. This gives the shooter more targets.

With last year's D.C.-area sniper case still in the news, we hope and pray the situation in Columbus does not turn out to be as deadly. We hope authorities are able to capture the culprit immediately and put an end to this madness.

As we continue to fight the war against terror, it is sad to think that we may have some of our own - Americans - inflicting such terrorism. However, we are confident in our law enforcement and judicial system and are sure the suspect or suspects will be brought to justice really soon.